Robert G. “Bob” Wellner may be hesitant to say he is leaving a legacy as he retires from presidency of Liberty Global Logistics LLC, but it is undeniable that he has been integral to the advancement of an essential U.S.-flag shipping industry.
In an exclusive interview with AJOT, Wellner shares thoughts on the vital role of an American-flag roll-on/roll-off fleet and the beyond-coincidental success of Lake Success, New York-based LGL, as well as insights on how he plans to stay active. (Hint: As with his career, he likely won’t be playing things entirely by ear.)
Congratulations on an illustrious career! As you transition at yearend to an advisory capacity from your role as president of Liberty Global Logistics LLC, what do you see as your industry legacy?
I’m not sure that anyone ever really leaves a legacy when they depart. I would hope that I have left some kind of sense of commitment and purpose that no one should ever be satisfied just getting by or with the easy way out. There is always a solution or better way. ‘No’ and failure are not options.
Hopefully, I’ve contributed something positive to the industry as I’ve always tried to keep the overall betterment of the industry in mind. I’ve also considered the sustainability of the U.S. flag and support of our nation critical to the maritime and logistics industries, and I hope I’ve instilled that in others.
What is the significance to private and governmental sectors of a U.S.-flag roll-on/roll-off fleet?
A commercially viable fleet of U.S.-flag vessels is essential in the support of the U.S. government. The public-private partnership becomes a key factor in the success of both.
The private U.S. fleet and related services and industries are essential to our nation’s economic engine. They also play major roles in the business of the government.
U.S. vessels have been a major factor in support of DOD [Department of Defense] and other agencies, both in times of conflict and humanitarian relief. For example, US-flag vessels have carried in excess of 90 percent of all DOD cargos to and from the Middle East during the years of military conflict there.
U.S. private industry is also critical in that it provides huge shoreside and land-based operations critical to the success of door-to-door moves in both conflict and relief efforts. In addition to DOD, think about recent earthquake, hurricane and tsunami relief. U.S. shipping companies and their infrastructure and networks have all been there. The U.S. ro/ro fleet has been a major participant in these events, carrying the majority of the equipment, including high-and-heavy, breakbulk and rolling stock.
The government, on the other hand, plays an important role in supporting the U.S.-flag industry with the Jones Act, various cargo preference laws and the Maritime Security Program.
How have you applied your 21-plus years of experience with International Marine Carriers – as well as your studies at Hofstra University [MBA], State University of New York Maritime College [master’s in transportation management] and Niagara University [bachelor’s in business administration in accounting] – to molding success of Liberty Global Logistics over the past decade and a half?
Each of these opportunities has given me the essential building blocks that became necessary in developing, growing and improving a business such as LGL.
The Niagara BBA in accounting was a great base for understanding financial statements and the like. The MS from SUNY Maritime helped provide insight into certain key maritime and transportation matters. The Hofstra MBA gave me the tools for basic business management.
My time with my partners at International Marine Carriers provided exposure to many aspects of the maritime and supply chain industries which became the foundations for LGL.
It is also important to note that, over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with some pretty incredible people who have all contributed to my development and provided information, insight and lessons that hopefully I imparted on LGL.
Do you find any link between the great success of LGL and the fact that the company is headquartered in the northwest Long Island village of Lake Success?
The successful link between LGL and Lake Success, New York, was not geographic but rather strategic in that, in 2003, I along with a partner [Tom Keenan] was able to form a relationship with a smart, aggressive, reliable and honest individual [Philip Shapiro] and his extremely successful company.
Obviously, being in the New York area with access to financial and other industry headquarters and major domestic and international airports has helped facilitate LGL’s development and growth.
Since 2004, LGL has grown to become a leading worldwide logistics provider for a variety of international automotive, high-and-heavy, breakbulk and cargo shippers, including original equipment manufacturers, and is a lead contractor to the U.S. government. LGL has also grown into a multimodal point-to-point logistics company, offering a portfolio of services covering air, land and sea operations worldwide.
I am confident that LGL will be in good hands going forward with the help of a great team and many seasoned, experienced and professional managers.
What nonwork interests do you hope to enjoy more following your retirement from fulltime work?
Initially, I hope to stay engaged, but to a lesser degree, in the industry. I will be a strategic adviser to the Liberty group and will retain some positions in other advisory boards.
I also hope to pursue the obvious nonwork activities, spending more time with family and friends. Because of the travel involved in this industry you miss a lot of events, so it will be great to have the opportunity to make and attend more such events. Despite all of the work-related travel, I look forward to traveling recreationally with my wife of 47 years, Maureen, and with friends.
Kayaking is something I love to do, but we are moving to a new location with deepwater, so maybe try boating? With whatever extra time I hope to have, read, golf, cook and learn to play a musical instrument and finally give back via volunteerism, as I feel I have been blessed with the opportunities that have been given to me. I hope I stay busy. I’m kind of an active-type person. Everybody says the worst thing you can do is sit down and get into a vegetative state.
May I ask what musical instrument you want to take up?
My father, a New York City cop who would be 100 years old were he still alive, could play most any musical instrument, but by ear only. He never could read a note of music. He used to bring the instruments home to my two sisters and me and say, ‘I left something down in the basement. If you want to play, I’ll come down and work with you.’ Well, we never did that. So I’m hoping I have some kind of latent musical talent.
We have a baby grand piano – a 1904 Chickering – and my wife bought me a Keith Urban guitar. My wife told me I can’t play the piano, because she wants to play it, and, if I want to accompany her, I’ll have to play another musical instrument. So she got me the guitar. It will most likely be one of those two things. We have to see how it goes.
